Spadix (redirected from spadices)

spadix

a racemose inflorescence having many small sessile flowers borne on a fleshy stem, the whole usually being surrounded by a spathe: typical of aroid plants

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spadix [′spā·diks]

(botany)

A fleshy spike that is enclosed in a leaflike spathe and is the characteristic inflorescence of palms and arums.

(invertebrate zoology)

A cone-shaped structure in male Nautiloidea formed of four modified tentacles, and believed to be homologous with the hectocotylus in male squids.

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Spadix 

a floral spike with a thick, fleshy axis on which sessile flowers are arranged; the flowers are often close together. Spa-dices characterize such plants as water arum, arum, and sweet flag. A large leaf, or spathe, more or less envelops the base of the spadix. The spathe, which is often brightly colored, serves to protect the spadix and to attract insect pollinators. Sometimes the spadix is a component of a compound inflorescence, as seen in many palms.